Its been four years since I am staying in 'the capital' of my country. When I came to Delhi for a job, everyone was curious and amazed; "how come Mumbai guy landed up in Delhi and that too also for work!?". They were quite sure about my stay to be a temporary one and that I will dislike Delhi. "How do you find Delhi so far? Is Delhi better than Mumbai?...". Questions are still unanswered.
It is nice to look at the differences between two important cities in India. Obviously they fall in different geographical structure, one is linear and other is circular. Having different cultural and historical roots, one was always under the shadows of battles and other was often treated as a valuable asset. From my perspective, who spent silver jubilee years in one city and recently settled in the other one. Many times I created comparison columns about these cities. Sometime I asked myself, what would be the situation if I was in Mumbai or vice-versa. Its nothing against a particular city and I don't intend to offend any Mumbaikar or Delhite. So, I penned down some characteristics which I noticed after various encounters. I might be biased towards Mumbai as its my birthplace; she gave and taught me lots. I grew up with her.
Lets start with the first impression of any city–Roads. Delhi is blessed with huge and wide roads. Space–wise, geographically Delhi is a wonderland. Wide roads are there in Mumbai too, but in some plush areas and mostly occupied by other roadside activities. Greenery is awesomely thick and everywhere in Delhi. In Mumbai, there is greenery but in residential compounds, on terraces and in balconies.
Delhi has really wonderful heritage sites in every corner of the roads, some of them have maintained very beautifully. I guess Mumbai is losing its inherit charm, only Colaba and some southern parts till Bandra have those marks.
Transport, the finest I have ever seen in Mumbai—Local train, auto rickshaws or BEST buses; everything is public friendly, trustworthy, always at your service. It is the exact opposite in Delhi. It seems you are doing a favor for them. Snobbish, moody, I–will–charge–whatever–I–want attitude of auto drivers make you feel infuriating. The meter system doesn't work for short distance routes, during nights and recently, I experienced, on Sundays. Now they have increased the rates and made Autoguys happy. But still they are not fully utilising it. Bus transport is better than autos, at least they charge whatever they are supposed to. But the condition of buses makes you never step on a bus again. You must be aware of the current toll of 'killer' buses. One great thing Delhi has 'Metro Rail'. Its functional in some parts and is doing well. It awesome way to commute, I am saying with my personal experience. This is a good relief for non–vehicle–owners and frequent travelers like us.
Mumbai has beaches! North India misses the beach and fun related to it—dreamy sounding sequences like sipping tea along with rising sun and romantic dinner with setting sun, a great walk on the sand with background of rhythmic waves are common instances in a Mumbaikars' life. Mumbai has gorgeous monsoon—Have hardly seen monsoon in Delhi. I can't even consider Delhi has monsoon. Its just showering. Delhi misses that fun which monsoon creates. Official half day leaves, road blocks, no transport, helpful citizens, monsoon picnics, chilling with hot vada–pav, kanda bhaji (onion tikki). Delhi has other season to celebrate. Winter! Its pleasant in the beginning but later it becomes intriguing. I still don't understand the joy of coldness. May be I will get used to it in near future.
Hindi spoken by Delhi people is pure and authentic. In Mumbai its like bhlepuri. Mix n match!. Here it makes you feel respectful person. In Mumbai, no respect but definitely has openness and warmth.
I was amused with funny and witty names of areas in Delhi like Lado sarai, Patpatganj, Dhaula Kuan, Adhchini. My Delhi friends also have good laugh on Mumbai's meaningless Borivali, Kandivali, Bhandup, Mulund, Diva, Andheri etc etc.
Food and night life making the lines blurred between the twos! Both serve amazing food. Variety in cuisines, ambiance, everything is splendid. Definitely I miss Mumbai's vada–pav, pavbhaji, ganne ka juice, coconut water, bhel, sev batata puri but doesn't matter! It is compensated by kathi kabab, chhole kulche, papri chaat and several sweet dishes. Delhi should definitely have some middle range restaurants and more roadside thelas. Someone told me this is not culture here! Everytime you can't afford to go to fancy restaurant.
Lets start with the first impression of any city–Roads. Delhi is blessed with huge and wide roads. Space–wise, geographically Delhi is a wonderland. Wide roads are there in Mumbai too, but in some plush areas and mostly occupied by other roadside activities. Greenery is awesomely thick and everywhere in Delhi. In Mumbai, there is greenery but in residential compounds, on terraces and in balconies.
Delhi has really wonderful heritage sites in every corner of the roads, some of them have maintained very beautifully. I guess Mumbai is losing its inherit charm, only Colaba and some southern parts till Bandra have those marks.
Transport, the finest I have ever seen in Mumbai—Local train, auto rickshaws or BEST buses; everything is public friendly, trustworthy, always at your service. It is the exact opposite in Delhi. It seems you are doing a favor for them. Snobbish, moody, I–will–charge–whatever–I–want attitude of auto drivers make you feel infuriating. The meter system doesn't work for short distance routes, during nights and recently, I experienced, on Sundays. Now they have increased the rates and made Autoguys happy. But still they are not fully utilising it. Bus transport is better than autos, at least they charge whatever they are supposed to. But the condition of buses makes you never step on a bus again. You must be aware of the current toll of 'killer' buses. One great thing Delhi has 'Metro Rail'. Its functional in some parts and is doing well. It awesome way to commute, I am saying with my personal experience. This is a good relief for non–vehicle–owners and frequent travelers like us.
Mumbai has beaches! North India misses the beach and fun related to it—dreamy sounding sequences like sipping tea along with rising sun and romantic dinner with setting sun, a great walk on the sand with background of rhythmic waves are common instances in a Mumbaikars' life. Mumbai has gorgeous monsoon—Have hardly seen monsoon in Delhi. I can't even consider Delhi has monsoon. Its just showering. Delhi misses that fun which monsoon creates. Official half day leaves, road blocks, no transport, helpful citizens, monsoon picnics, chilling with hot vada–pav, kanda bhaji (onion tikki). Delhi has other season to celebrate. Winter! Its pleasant in the beginning but later it becomes intriguing. I still don't understand the joy of coldness. May be I will get used to it in near future.
Hindi spoken by Delhi people is pure and authentic. In Mumbai its like bhlepuri. Mix n match!. Here it makes you feel respectful person. In Mumbai, no respect but definitely has openness and warmth.
I was amused with funny and witty names of areas in Delhi like Lado sarai, Patpatganj, Dhaula Kuan, Adhchini. My Delhi friends also have good laugh on Mumbai's meaningless Borivali, Kandivali, Bhandup, Mulund, Diva, Andheri etc etc.
Food and night life making the lines blurred between the twos! Both serve amazing food. Variety in cuisines, ambiance, everything is splendid. Definitely I miss Mumbai's vada–pav, pavbhaji, ganne ka juice, coconut water, bhel, sev batata puri but doesn't matter! It is compensated by kathi kabab, chhole kulche, papri chaat and several sweet dishes. Delhi should definitely have some middle range restaurants and more roadside thelas. Someone told me this is not culture here! Everytime you can't afford to go to fancy restaurant.
There are many more observations, some of them are too personal and can't discuss them publicaly. Initially I wanted to point out the safety issue of Mumbai, in positive sense. But not very sure about how valid it is. Heard and read that the situation is becoming worse day by day. After meeting some people and interaction with colleagues, I found Delhi education is far better than Mumbai. It is a very personal opinion. May be I was not exposed to such quality education but anyways I still feel Mumbaikars are 'street smart' than others.
If you can stay in Mumbai for atleast 6 months you can survive in any part of the world. The lifestyle of adjusting in the smallest possible space, patience, commuting struggle, unpredictable rain, sustaining on cutting chai and vada pav as meal make you tough and teaches the great lessons of life.
I still couldn't find the answer of 'which city is better?' and don't think I will get it. Whenever I go home, Mumbai always welcomes me as its your world. But after some days Delhi start making me feel homesick.
If you can stay in Mumbai for atleast 6 months you can survive in any part of the world. The lifestyle of adjusting in the smallest possible space, patience, commuting struggle, unpredictable rain, sustaining on cutting chai and vada pav as meal make you tough and teaches the great lessons of life.
I still couldn't find the answer of 'which city is better?' and don't think I will get it. Whenever I go home, Mumbai always welcomes me as its your world. But after some days Delhi start making me feel homesick.
